It was a truly memorable occasion on Easter Day as many people came to worship at our church on this day for the first time in two years. The social distancing measures and absence of singing did not spoil what was a moving service, with special thanks to Steven playing the organ. The church as ever, was beautifully decorated with flowers and I am thankful to the hard working volunteers at St. Cross for preparing our church, and the grounds, not just for Easter Day, but for the whole of Holy Week when we had services every day.
A celebration too, though tinged with sadness, as Simon, Liz and Grace left us to embark on their next journey to Rainow where Simon will be the Vicar of the Combined Parish or Holy Trinity Rainow with Saltersford and Forest. Simon was our preacher for the Easter Day eucharist and he spoke of the mixed feelings of the apostles who were filled with terror and amazement, and his own feelings of excitement and slight anxiety which is quite natural when we face change in our own lives.
At the conclusion of the service Paul presented Simon and Liz with a framed picture of St Cross by local artist Jacky Freeman and an indoor rose called 'Friendship'. From the generous collection taken, Simon was also presented with silver plated oil stocks and a set of 'Sacra Pagina' commentaries on the gospels. And Grace received a basket of goodies including chocolate eggs. We will miss the family, and Simon's ministry among us and they go to Rainow with our thanks, our prayers and God's blessing.
